Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to transforming the state into India’s sporting powerhouse, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday inaugurated an Olympic-standard swimming pool built at a cost of ₹9.50 crore in Sangrur and declared that the district is poised to emerge as a nursery for Asian, World and Olympic champions. Highlighting the government’s unprecedented investment in sports infrastructure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab has increased the sports budget from less than ₹200 crore under previous governments to ₹1,790 crore, secured the opportunity to host the Asian Hockey Championship Trophy for the first time, and is now ready to launch Cricket and Hockey Premier Leagues to nurture international-level talent.
Sharing a video from the programme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Today, the people of Sangrur received a major boost in the field of sports with the inauguration of a modern Olympic-standard swimming pool at War Heroes Stadium. Constructed at a cost of ₹9.50 crore, the 50×21-metre facility is equipped with world-class amenities for athletes and coaches, providing international-standard training infrastructure.”
He further wrote: “To revive Punjab’s sporting culture, our government has increased the sports budget from ₹200 crore to ₹1,790 crore. Athletes will now receive advance funds for training, while those winning international medals will be rewarded with ₹1 crore for a gold medal, ₹75 lakh for a silver medal and ₹50 lakh for a bronze medal.”
“To further promote a vibrant sports culture, the Punjab Government will soon launch the Punjab Premier League and the Punjab Hockey League. In addition, the Asian Champions Trophy (Hockey) will be hosted in Mohali and Jalandhar during October-November, further strengthening Punjab’s position as a premier destination for sports in the country,” the post concluded.
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Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the day marks a moment of immense pride and joy for the people of Sangrur, especially the youth, as the newly constructed state-of-the-art swimming pool has been dedicated to them. “This swimming pool is not merely a building but it will serve as a nursery for our future Olympians,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Highlighting his government’s focus on strengthening sports infrastructure, the Chief Minister said that the world-class swimming pool is another significant step towards restoring Punjab’s position as the number one sporting state in the country. “The swimming pool has been constructed at a cost of ₹9.50 crore in accordance with international standards and Olympic specifications. The pool measures 50 metres × 21 metres, with a depth ranging from 4.5 feet to 7.5 feet and has a water-holding capacity of 2.5 lakh litres,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Sharing details of the facilities developed at the complex, the Chief Minister said that separate modern shower facilities, changing rooms, dedicated rooms for coaches and storage rooms have been provided to ensure maximum convenience for athletes. He further said that a modern gymnasium has also been established to help athletes strengthen and condition their muscles. “A dedicated mini swimming pool has also been developed for children below the age of seven,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister said that the swimming pool has been constructed using the world’s finest Myrtha RenovAction and Classic Modular System technology. “It features laminated PVC and stainless-steel panels, making it one of the most modern swimming pools in the country. To ensure clean and safe water, a filtration and disinfection system compliant with European standards has been installed,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Appealing to parents in Sangrur and the surrounding areas, the Chief Minister urged them to encourage their children to take up sports. “Our government will ensure that there is never any shortage of facilities or funds for the promotion of sports,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure across the state, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government is constructing 3,100 stadiums across Punjab to promote sports and steer the youth away from the menace of drugs.
Cabinet Ministers Dr. Ravjot and Tarunpreet Singh Sond were also present on the occasion.
